SCUNTHORPE UNITED RES 4-1 MANSFIELD RES

report from www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

Scunthorpe United’s reserves returned to winning ways with a fine 4-1 victory over Mansfield at Glanford Park.   With Paul Wheatcroft removed from the squad at the last minute with a migraine, trialists Leon Ryan and Craig Dove formed a partnership in attack.   The two young forwards who played together in Middlesbrough’s youth team formed a great understanding and grabbed a brace each.  

The Iron went in front on 20 minutes when Andy Parton on his return from injury cut in from the right and released Ryan who took the ball round the ‘keeper before slotting the ball into an empty net.   On the half hour mark the Iron made it two when Steve Ridley played in Dove who inturn slotted the ball under the advancing Mansfield ‘keeper Jason White.   The Iron could have made it three after the interval when Fabian Smith a half time replacement for Scott Brough crashed an effort off the cross bar.  

But within minutes the away side had pulled a goal back (Mark Carter) and then saw an effort crash off the cross bar.   United made sure of the points though, when Ryan headed his second goal of the game after Jamie McCombe had volleyed the ball back across goal from the far post.   Ryan completed an impressive display by releasing Dove for his second goal of the game and the Iron’s fourth as the game neared its end.  

“It was good to return to winning ways and overall I was pleased with the display of the side,” confirmed Wilcox.   “Both strikers linked well together, you could tell that they had played together previously, and it was good for both to get two goals.   “Leon Ryan had another good game, I don’t think he could have done much more in his three games with us.   “Andy Parton returned from injury and did very well to last a full ninety minutes. That is credit to the player but also to physio Nigel Adkins who gets the lads back and ready to go straight into the team.”

Scunthorpe:  Collins, Wright, Ridley, McCombe, Wilcox, Ridley, Parton,
Barwick, Ryan, Dove, Brough  Subs: Wheatcroft, Capp, Singh, Butler

Mansfield:  White, Carter, Hardy, Clarke, Holyoak, Buxton, Lazarus, Rew,
Bacon, Beardsley, Hurst.  Subs: Baptiste, Robinson, Mitchell, Jones, Coates
   
RYAN IMPRESSES AGAIN
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Trialist Leon Ryan will have done his chances of winning a contract with the Iron no harm after scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Mansfield.
The 19 year old striker has now played in three games for the reserves impressing assistant boss Russ Wilcox in the process.
 
The young forward is now training with the rest of the Iron squad as he looks to prove his worth. 
 
“It is good to be back playing because I was out for seven months after picking up an injury at Middlesbrough,” explained Ryan.
 
“I was playing in an under 19 game and I went over on my ankle and found out later I had snapped the main ligament which needed an operation.
 
“It played a big factor in me not getting a new contract because Steve McClaren came in and never had the chance to see me play.
 
“My agent sorted out a move to Finland in the summer for six weeks, which gave me some experience, and allowed me to play in some games.
 
“I then went for a two week trial at Mansfield but they told me they didn’t have the money to keep me.
 
“I feel I have something to offer to the club with my link up play and heading ability. I’m only 70% fit at the moment, so there is another 30% to come from me, but that we come with more training and games.
 
I would love to sign for the club, the lads have made me feel very welcome, it is a good setup and a nice stadium here.  

RYAN SIGNS  

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Scunthorpe United have completed the signing of Leon Ryan on a non-contract basis.
 
The striker (19) has impressed Brian Laws and Russ Wilcox during a three game trial in which he scored two goals for the reserves.
 
The big target man was released by Middlesbrough after suffering seven months on the sidelines through injury and has been searching for a club since.
 
Ryan will be given the 23 shirt and looks set to make his debut on Saturday from the bench.